We are excited to share that the Vestry has approved the formation of a Creation Care Ministry at St. Ann’s. This ministry grew out of the 2019 Pledge to Care for Creation by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, which called The Episcopal Church to place environmental stewardship at the heart of its common life. In 2021, the Episcopal Diocese of Maine formed the Climate Justice Council, and in 2022 passed a resolution encouraging parishes to appoint “Earth Keepers” to develop and oversee parish-level Covenants to Care for Creation.
At the 2025 Maine Diocesan Convention, parishes across Maine shared their Creation Care initiatives, and Bishop Thomas Brown encouraged every parish to plant a tree. Deb Johnson received Vestry approval to explore interest in launching this ministry at St. Ann’s and met with Dan Wheeler, who was already familiar with the initiative and eager to partner in developing a shared vision and plan. Deb and Dan are now designated by the Diocese of Maine as Earth Keepers for St. Ann’s.
Creation Care includes environmental efforts such as reducing waste, energy use, and harmful chemicals, as well as planting trees, pollinator gardens and more! It also recognizes that caring for people is integral to caring for creation. At St. Ann’s, this includes ministries already in place such as community outreach, the Essentials Pantry, Thursday community meals, and the CLYNK recycling program.
Creation Care Team Members Wanted!
In the coming weeks, we hope to identify parishioners interested in joining this ministry. We already have preliminary ideas for Earth Day/Arbor Day activities on Saturday, April 25, and welcome others to help shape strategies for caring for our planet and its people.
Please speak with Deb Johnson or Dan Wheeler after Sunday services, or email Deb at debj2500@gmail.com with questions, ideas, or interest in joining the Creation Care Team. Once members are identified, we will schedule a time to gather for sharing and planning.
Important Resources
From the Episcopal Church:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/creation
From the Episcopal Diocese of Maine:
https://episcopalmaine.org/ministries/advocacy/creation-care/
Creation Care Lenten Calendar: